Bollywood has occasionally ventured into controversial and taboo themes to spark conversations and challenge societal norms. Here are a few Bollywood movies that have tackled such themes:
- “Fire” (1996): Directed by Deepa Mehta, “Fire” explored lesbianism within a traditional Indian family. The film faced strong opposition and protests upon release.
- “Water” (2005): Another Deepa Mehta film, “Water,” delved into the lives of widows in Varanasi during the 1930s. It shed light on the mistreatment and isolation of widows in Indian society.
- “Bandit Queen” (1994): Directed by Shekhar Kapur, this biographical film portrayed the life of Phoolan Devi, a notorious bandit in India. It depicted her tumultuous journey and the harsh realities she faced.
- “Kya Kool Hain Hum” (2005): This comedy film pushed boundaries with its adult humor and sexual innuendos, making it one of the first Bollywood films to openly embrace adult content.
- “Ki & Ka” (2016): Balki’s “Ki & Ka” challenged traditional gender roles by depicting a house husband and a working wife. It explored the dynamics of a role reversal in a marriage.
- “Lipstick Under My Burkha” (2016): Directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, this film highlighted the secret desires and struggles of four women from different walks of life living in a conservative society.
- “Parched” (2015): This film explored the themes of female empowerment, sexuality, and patriarchy in rural India. It followed the lives of four women as they navigate societal constraints.
- “Good Newwz” (2019): While primarily a comedy, this film dealt with the sensitive topic of artificial insemination mix-ups and the impact on two couples.
- “Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan” (2020): This romantic comedy addressed same-sex relationships and the challenges faced by a gay couple in India.
- “Vicky Donor” (2012): The film centered around sperm donation, a topic rarely explored in Bollywood. It humorously tackled the stigma associated with infertility and sperm donation.
- “Julie” (2004): This film explored the life of a young woman, Julie, who gets involved in a complex love affair, leading to social consequences and challenges.
- “Ram Teri Ganga Maili” (1985): Directed by Raj Kapoor, this film touched upon themes of societal norms and morality as it followed the journey of Ganga, a woman who faces judgment for her choices.
- “Prem Rog” (1982): Directed by Raj Kapoor, “Prem Rog” portrayed the social stigma surrounding widow remarriage in India and the complexities of love and relationships.
- “Kya Kehna” (2000): This film addressed the issue of teenage pregnancy and societal judgments, focusing on a young woman’s journey to make her own choices.
- “Badhaai Ho” (2018) and “Badhaai Do” (2022): These films explored unconventional family situations, including late-in-life pregnancies and LGBTQ+ relationships, challenging traditional norms.
- “My Brother… Nikhil” (2005): Based on a true story, this film depicted the life of a man with HIV/AIDS and the discrimination and stigma he faced.
- “Toilet: Ek Prem Katha” (2017): This socially relevant film tackled the issue of sanitation and open defecation in rural India, emphasizing the importance of hygiene and access to toilets.
- “Padman” (2018): Inspired by the life of Arunachalam Muruganantham, this film addressed menstrual hygiene and the need for affordable sanitary pads in India.
- “Salaam Namaste” (2005): While primarily a romantic comedy, the film also touched on the subject of premarital cohabitation and modern relationships.
- “Udta Punjab” (2016): This film delved into the rampant issue of drug abuse in the state of Punjab, shedding light on the drug epidemic and its consequences.
- Julie” (1975): “Julie” delved into the complexities of an inter-religious love affair and the challenges faced by the couple in a conservative society.
- Insaaf Ka Tarazu” (1980): This film not only addressed the taboo topic of rape but also portrayed the legal battle and emotional trauma experienced by the survivor.
- Love Games” (2016): “Love Games” went beyond sexual manipulation to depict the psychological and emotional toll it takes on individuals involved in dangerous seduction games.
- Ajnabee” (2001): “Ajnabee” explored the taboo of infidelity within friendships, examining the blurred lines between trust and deception.
- Mixed Doubles” (2006): In a humorous way, the film explored the unconventional concept of open relationships, shedding light on how such arrangements affect marital dynamics and personal lives.
- Mimi” (2021): “Mimi” tackled the sensitive topic of surrogacy and motherhood, kexploring the societal taboos surrounding surrogacy and the unconventional choices women make in pursuit of motherhood, providing a thought-provoking narrative.
